Pest control device and method

ABSTRACT

An aggregation base for use within a subterranean cavity for detecting subterranean termites includes an elongate member having longitudinally opposite ends, a circumference, and an outer surface. A void extends longitudinally within the elongate member for forming an aggregation site for the termite. The elongate member is open at least at one end in communication with the void. At least one channel extends circumferentially about at least a portion of the circumference of the elongate member at the outer surface thereof and also extends transversely through the elongate member from the outer surface inward to the void.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation application that claims priority from U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/805,802 filed Mar. 22, 2004. U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/805,802 is a divisional patent application thatclaims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/400,773 filedMar. 25, 2003. Both of these applications are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to a pest control device, and moreparticularly to a method and system for termite interception andbaiting.

Many pests, such as termites, are serious threats throughout much of theworld to structures or other objects containing wood or other cellulosecontaining components because these pests consume cellulose fornutrition. Subterranean termites, which typically dwell in the soil,often form large colonies. Members of the colony forage for food andthus burrow galleries or passageways in the soil outwardly from thenest. Portions of the food located by the foraging termites are returnedto the nest. Termites are also known to possess means for communicatingthe location of a food source to other termites within the colony.

Many pest control devices are known and formed in a wide variety ofconfigurations to monitor and eradicate the pests. One type of populartermite control device utilizes a monitoring food source made from amedium that is attractive to termites to encourage the termites to beginfeeding from the device. The termites are then eliminated by providing atoxicant-containing bait placed at the feeding point in the termitecontrol device. Perhaps most important, termite baiting results in theelimination or suppression of the entire termite colony, not just themembers of the colony that reach the station site, because thetoxicant-containing bait is brought to the nest with the returningtermites. Because a termite bait must be consumed by termites in orderto be effective, a technique must be developed to consistently andrepeatedly make the bait available for consumption by members of atermite colony at a fixed point over a long enough period of time forthe bait to have the intended toxic effect on the colony.

Typically, the toxic termite bait is applied only after contact has beenestablished with a termite colony and termites are feeding from thestation. Reasons for this include minimization of the amount of baitused, potential deterioration of bait if it is left in place for longperiods of time in anticipation of prospective termite attack,minimization of the potential for unintended exposure of children andpets to the bait, etc. Therefore, it is preferable to first detecttermites at the bait holder with a nontoxic medium while monitoring thesite. After termites are detected, the toxic bait is applied to the baitholder.

Such systems must be inspected periodically, such as every one to threemonths, to determine if termites are active within the bait holder.However, to accomplish this, a baiting system must deal with severalissues that left unresolved, make a baiting method and/or system lesslikely to succeed. For example, when inspecting the monitoring medium orthe bait within the bait holder or when adding or replacing the toxicbait, the feeding site is typically disturbed. This may cause thetermites to abandon the bait holder altogether.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, an aggregation base for use within a subterranean cavityfor detecting subterranean termites generally comprises an elongatemember having longitudinally opposite ends, a circumference, and anouter surface. A void extends longitudinally within the elongate memberfor forming an aggregation site for the termite. The elongate member isopen at least at one end in communication with the void. At least onechannel extends circumferentially about at least a portion of thecircumference of the elongate member at the outer surface thereof andalso extends transversely through the elongate member from the outersurface inward to the void.

In another aspect, an aggregation base for use within a subterraneancavity for detecting subterranean termites generally comprises anelongate member having a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis,longitudinally opposite ends, a circumference, and an outer surface. Theelongate member comprises at least two separate longitudinal portions.The longitudinal portions are capable of face-to-face contact to definecorresponding longitudinal side seams. A void extends longitudinallywithin the elongate member for forming an aggregation site for thetermite. The elongate member is open at the longitudinally opposite endsin communication with the void. At least one channel is formed in theelongate member and separate from the side seams. The at least onechannel extends transversely through the elongate member from the outersurface thereof to the void.

In yet another aspect, an aggregation base for use within a subterraneancavity for detecting subterranean termites generally comprises anelongate member having a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis,longitudinally opposite ends, a circumference, and an outer surface. Avoid extends longitudinally within the elongate member for forming anaggregation site for the termite. The elongate member is open at leastat one end in communication with the void. At least one channel extendstransversely through the elongate member from the outer surface inwardto the void. The entire at least one channel is longitudinally spacedfrom at least one of the longitudinal ends of the elongate member.

In still another aspect, an aggregation base is for use with anapparatus received within a subterranean cavity for detecting andcontrolling subterranean termites. The aggregation base is attractive tothe termites for forming an aggregation site for the termites. Theapparatus has a replaceable container device sized and shaped such thatthe container device may be removed from the apparatus and replacedwithout substantially disturbing the aggregation base. The aggregationbase generally comprises a generally cylindrical outer surface and atleast one void within the aggregation base for forming an aggregationsite for the termites. At least one channel passes completely throughthe aggregation base from the cylindrical outer surface and leads inwardto the void.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of an embodiment of the pest control device ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective of the pest control device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective of an aggregation base used with the pestcontrol device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective of a container used in the pestcontrol device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective of a bait container similar inconstruction to the monitoring container of FIG. 4 with a bait placedtherein;

FIG. 6 is a perspective of a cup portion of the container of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is another perspective of the cup of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective of a lid portion of the container of FIG. 4.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a pest monitoring and control station,generally illustrated by reference numeral 10, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. Although the illustrated embodimentis particularly suitable for monitoring and controlling termites, it iscontemplated that the invention may be used to monitor and control otherpests, such as ants. As best illustrated in the exploded view of FIG. 2,the station 10 includes a substantially hollow housing 12 having anannular side wall 14, a top surface 16 and a bottom surface 18 definingan interior volume 20. A portion of the top surface 16 of the housing 12is open exposing the interior volume 20. The station 10 receives one ormore of an aggregation base 22, a monitoring container 24 and/or a baitcontainer 25 (not shown but described below with reference to FIG. 5)within the interior volume 20 of the housing 12.

A cap 28 is removably received on the top surface 16 to close thehousing 12. The cap 28 is removably secured to the top surface 16 of thehousing 12. In one embodiment, the cap 28 has a pair of tabs 30 thatextend into slots 32 in the top surface 16 of the housing 12. The cap 28is then rotated either counter clockwise or clockwise to engage the cap28. The tabs include a chamfer 34 along a leading edge 36 of the tab 30.As the cap 28 rotates into position, the chamfer 34 helps guide the tab30 into position within the slot 32. Other suitable means for securingthe cap 28 to the top surface 16 may be used.

Preferably, the housing 12 is formed from a durable, corrosion resistantmaterial, as for example, an acrylic or high strength plastic. Althoughshown as having a generally cylindrical shape, the housing 12 may be anyother suitable shape, such as rectangular. Preferably, the station 10has a maximum height of less than about 18 inches (457 mm) and maximumdiameter or width of less than about 12 inches (305 mm), and morepreferably the station has a maximum height of less than about 9 inches(229 mm) and maximum width of less than about 4 inches (102 mm).

The station 10 includes at least one opening 37 passing through the sidewall 14 to permit the ingress and egress of termites into and out of theinterior volume 20 of station. Preferably, the side wall 14 has severalvertical elongated openings 37 therein extending substantially theentire length of the side wall. As used herewith, vertical is used inreference to the preferred orientation of the station 10 with the topsurface 16 facing in an upward direction. It is contemplated however,that other shapes and orientations for the openings may be used. Forexample, the openings may be horizontal elongated openings, or may becircular openings randomly placed or formed in a repeating pattern.Additionally, there may be openings 37 in the bottom surface 18 leadingto the interior volume 20. In an alternate version, the openings 37 areformed only in a lower portion 38 of the side wall 14 of the housing 12such that an upper portion 39 of the side wall 14 near the top surface16 of the housing 12 is imperforate.

In use, the station 10 is at least partially received within a cavityaccessible to termites, while still being accessible above ground by auser. The cavity may be a subterranean cavity, or may be a cavity withina wall or other framework of a building or other above ground structure.The cavity may be formed in the soil, or the cavity may be formed in apaving material, such as concrete or asphalt, with soil beneath thepaving material. Preferably, the station 10 is substantially entirelyreceived within the cavity such that only the top surface 16 and cap 28are accessible from above ground. However, in some situations, thestation 10 may be nearly entirely on top of the ground, such that thecavity is very shallow.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the aggregation base 22 isreceived within the interior volume 20 of the housing 12 such that it ispositioned adjacent the lower portion 38 of the side wall 14 so that theelongate openings 37 expose the aggregation base 22 to the subterraneancavity. The monitoring container 24 or the bait container 25 is thenreceived within the interior volume 20 of the housing so as to bereceived adjacent to the aggregation base 22. It is also contemplatedthat the aggregation base may be formed as a tube and the replaceablemonitoring container 24 or bait container 25 configured to be receivedwithin the hollow interior of the tube.

Alternately, the aggregation base 22 is received directly within thecavity. For example, when the aggregation base 22 is to be used in amore durable environment where there is little possibility thatsidewalls of the cavity will collapse around the aggregation base 22,such as, for example, in paving material, the aggregation base 22 can beplaced directly into the cavity. The monitoring container 24 or the baitcontainer 25 then may be positioned in the cavity adjacent to, andpreferably directly above, the aggregation base 22. In such anembodiment, there is no need for a station to receive the aggregationbase 22 and the containers 24, 25. A suitable cap, designs of which areknown in the art, would then be placed over the cavity to secure theaggregation base 22 and containers 24 or 25 within the cavity. However,in the above embodiments, the aggregation base 22 is located in thecavity or station 10 in a substantially stationary manner so that thereis minimal disturbance to the aggregation site and the termites whilethe containers 24 or 25 are being inspected, removed and/or replaced.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the aggregation base 22. In theillustrated example, the aggregation base is formed in a generallycylindrical shape such that an outer surface 40 of the aggregation basefaces the interior of the sidewall 14 of the station 10 or cavity whenplaced in service. Other versions of the aggregation base may havedifferent geometric shapes suitable for use depending on the cavity intowhich the base is received. As seen in FIG. 3, the illustratedaggregation base 22 comprises at least two separate longitudinalportions (two being shown in FIG. 3) that are capable of face-to-facecontact to define corresponding longitudinal side seams 46. In anembodiment of the aggregation base 22 to be received within the interiorvolume 20 of the station 10, it is preferable that the aggregation base22 have a shape similar to the shape of the housing 12 with a widthslightly less than an inner width of the housing 12 so that theaggregation base 22 may be removably received in a snug fittingrelationship within the housing 12. Preferably, the aggregation base 22has a void 42 substantially centrally located within the aggregationbase 22 which is suitable for an aggregation site for termites. Theaggregation base 22 includes channels 44 passing through the aggregationbase 22 from the outer surface 40 inward to the void 42. Preferably, thechannels 44 guide the termites from the outer surface 40 to theaggregation site in the void 42 of the aggregation base 22. Preferably,the aggregation base 22 is made from a cellulosic material attractive totermites, such as wood.

Alternately, the aggregation base 22 may be made of plastic or othersuitable material and filled with cellulosic material, such as paper,cardboard, compressed tablets, or other suitable feeding material andmay have holes providing access to the feeding material. In such aversion, the aggregation base 22 may be similar in construction to thecontainer 24. Additionally, the aggregation base may be made from a foammaterial. In some of these embodiments, the aggregation base may nothave a void space free of material, but the base is still preferablyconfigured so that termites feeding on the aggregation base or materialwithin the aggregation base will form an aggregation site within thebase.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the monitoring container 24 comprises a cup 50.The cup 50 may have an accompanying lid 52. As illustrated, the cup 50has a bottom surface 54 opposite the lid 52 so that the monitoringcontainer 24 is configured as a closed cylinder defining an interiorchamber 53 to complement the configuration of the housing 12. The bottomsurface 54 is described as the surface adjacent the aggregation base 22when the monitoring container 24 is placed in the station 10 in anoperational fashion, and for convenience, the lid 52 comprises theopposite surface. However, it is contemplated that the monitoringcontainer 24 may also be inserted into the station 10 with the lid 52adjacent the aggregation base 22. An outer width of the cup 50 isslightly less than an inner width of the housing 12 (FIG. 2) so that thecup may be removably received within the housing. Preferably, thecontainer 24 is made of plastic. Referring to now FIG. 5, the baitcontainer 25 preferably is of construction similar to that of themonitoring container 24 and corresponding parts are indicated by thesame reference numerals.

Referring to both FIGS. 4 and 5, a suitable material such as amonitoring medium 55 (shown in FIG. 4) that is attractive to termitesmay be received within the chamber 53 of the monitoring container 24. Asuitable material such as bait 57 which is both attractive and toxic totermites may be received within the chamber 53 of the bait container 25.The monitoring medium 55 and the bait 57 preferably are in the form oftablets that are easily insertable into the chamber 53. Use of themonitoring medium 55 and the bait 57 will be more fully discussed below.

Preferably, the combined length of one container 24 or 25 and theaggregation base 22 is less than the length of the housing 12 so thatthe container 24 or 25 can be received within the housing 12 in a mannerwhich will not interfere with placement of the cap 28 to cover the topsurface 16 of the housing 12. Preferably, for reasons which will be morefully discussed below, the lid 52 and/or the cup 50 are transparent (orat least partially transparent).

As shown in FIG. 6, the cup 50 has at least one opening 66 in the bottomsurface 54 facing the aggregation base 22. The opening 66 in the bottomsurface 54 leads to the interior of the cup 50 when the container 24 or25 is received in an operational position within the housing 12 therebyallowing the termites to move from the aggregation base 22 too withinthe interior of the cup. Multiple openings 66 are preferred in thebottom surface, but a single opening design is also contemplated. Forexample, the cup 50 may have a single opening 66 with a slightlyirregular shape (e.g., cloverleaf shape). Additionally, it iscontemplated in some versions that the cup 50 may have holes in thesidewalls thereof. The termites must have access to the openings 66 inthe cup 50 from the aggregation base 22. In one embodiment, small legs68 on the bottom surface 54 of the cup 50 space the cup from theaggregation base 22 to provide a gap for termite exploration.

The monitoring container 24 is configured to be replaceable receivedadjacent the aggregation base 22 (see, e.g., FIG. 2), such that themonitoring container 24 may be removed, inspected and/or replacedwithout disturbing the aggregation base 22, thereby preserving anyaggregation site formed by the termites in the aggregation base 22, suchas within the void 42. Similarly, the bait container 25 is configured tobe replaceably received adjacent the aggregation base 22, such thatduring use, either the monitoring container 24 or the bait container 25is positioned adjacent the aggregation base.

The lid 52 of the containers 24, 25 also may have at least one opening70 (see FIG. 8), the at least one opening allowing the termites to moveinto and out of the container through the lid 52 of the container.Additionally, the openings 70 prevent the container 24, 25 from floatingif the station 10 or cavity fills with water. Also, if the monitoringmedium 55 or bait 57 received within the containers 24, 25 becomes watersoaked and expands, the openings 66, 70 provide room for expansion, yetkeep the bait inside the containers. Sides 72 of the cup 50 arepreferably free of openings so that the termites passing through theopenings 37 in the housing 12 are driven down to the aggregation base 22so that the initial aggregation site is formed in the aggregation base.However, when the cup 50 is used as a monitoring container 24, openingsmay also be included in the sides.

The lid 52 is removably secured to the cup 50 using any suitable means.Referring to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the cup 50 has several recesses59 near a top rim 58 thereof. FIG. 8 illustrates corresponding flanges60 on the lid 52 that are received in the recesses 59 to secure the lid52 to the cup 50. Alternately, a circular threaded portion (not shown)of the cup 50 extends upwardly, and a complementary threaded baseportion (not shown) of the lid 52 is removably securable to the cup 50by screw threads.

In operation, a cavity of appropriate dimensions can be made in the soilfor positioning of the station 10. Typically, the aggregation base 22and monitoring container 24 are placed inside the station housing 12,and the station 10 is then inserted or pressed into the cavity until thetop surface 16 of the station housing 12 is near the soil surface.However, in some instances, such as when there is a known presence of orconditions conducive for termites, it may be desirable to directly beginusing the bait container 25 with the aggregation base 22 and not use amonitoring container 24. Alternatively, the aggregation base 22 isplaced directly into the cavity. The container, either 24 or 25, is thenplaced into the cavity adjacent the aggregation base 22. The descriptionbelow will describe the aggregation base 22 as being placed within thestation 10, but it is contemplated that the aggregation base may beplaced adjacent to the monitoring container 24 or bait container 25without the use of a station 10 as described above. Termites locate thestation 10 and the aggregation base 22 as the result of their foragingin search of food sources.

As termites approach the outside of the station 10, they quickly enterthrough the openings 37 and move inside to find the aggregation base 22,which is a potential food source. The openings 37 in the stationencourage the termites to quickly pass through the side wall 14 to theaggregation base 22. If the termites enter through the openings 37 andcontact the container 24 or 25 above the aggregation base 22, theimperforate sidewalls of the container direct the termites down alongthe elongate openings 37 to the aggregation base 22. The channels 44encourage the termites to enter the aggregation base 22 and begin to usethe internal void 42 created by the base as an aggregation site. Thevoid 42 creates a stopping area in the center for aggregation. Onceinside, they will move toward the top of the aggregation base 22 andinto the monitoring container 24. Because only the monitoring container24 is removed to monitor for termite activity, the aggregation base 22remains undisturbed, thereby maintaining the void 42 of the aggregationbase 22 and the aggregation site therein intact.

The station 10 can be inspected periodically for evidence of termiteinfestation by visually examining the monitoring container 24 for signsof infestation. Inspection of the station 10 can be performed weekly,bi-weekly, monthly, etc. as needed or desired. An inspection isperformed by removing the cap 28 and visually inspecting the chamber 53of the monitoring container 24 or the aggregation base 22 for termiteattack. Because of the nature of termite attack against a cellulosicmaterial, such as the monitoring medium 55 or the aggregation base 22,visible signs or evidence of such attack will invariably be left on themonitors. This evidence can include, for example, exploratory tunnelsbuilt by termites as they consume the material in such a way thattelltale signs of termite infestation are left on the surface of thematerial and/or mud tubing constructed over and across the interiorsurface of the station housing 12 or monitoring container 24. Such signsof infestation would be obvious to anyone skilled in the art of termitedamage detection. If termite attack is discovered, the station 10 isbaited by replacing the monitoring container 24 with a bait container25. Alternately, the monitoring medium 55 can be removed and replacedwith the bait 57. If no termite attack is discovered, the monitoringcontainer 24 is returned to the station 10. The cap 28 is replaced andthe station 10 is inspected again after the appropriate interval.

Termites consuming the aggregation base 22 will discover and transitionto feeding upon the nearby monitoring medium 55 in the monitoringcontainer 24. This can be for one or more reasons. If the monitoringmedium 55 is of a consistency more preferred by termites than theaggregation base 22, then termites may cease to consume the aggregationbase 22 and transition to consuming the monitoring medium 55 before theentire aggregation base 22 is consumed. If termites continue to consumethe aggregation base 22, the termites will still transition in thenormal process of termite foraging to consuming the monitoring medium 55when the aggregation base 22 is entirely consumed. Because themonitoring medium 55 is nearby and is of a nature preferably consumed bytermites, they invariably begin consuming the monitoring medium.

Once termites have been discovered attacking the monitoring medium 55 oraggregation base 22, the station 10 is baited with the toxicantcontaining bait 57. Preferably, the monitoring container 24 is removedand replaced with the bait 57 in container 25. The toxicant-containingbait may be in the form of purified cellulose toxicant delivery tablets.One suitable termite bait composition is described in co-assigned U.S.Pat. No. 6,416,752 entitled “Termite Bait Composition and Method”, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

The toxicant in the bait 57 is preferably of the delayed-action type, oran insect growth regulator, pathogen or metabolic inhibitor. Preferably,it comprises a nontoxic bait composition to which the pesticide toxicantis added. Any suitable termite pesticide composition may be used inconnection with the present invention. In one embodiment, the bait is inthe form of tablets. For example, in one suitable embodiment, the bait57 comprises at least one compressed tablet having a mass of betweenabout 10 grams (0.35 ounce) and about 45 grams (1.6 ounces), morepreferably between about 25 grams (0.88 ounce) and about 40 grams (1.4ounces), and even more preferably about 35 grams (1.2 ounces).

The removal, inspection and/or replacement of the containers 24, 25within the housing 12 does not substantially disturb the pre-existingnetwork of access galleries or passageways previously establishedbetween the termite colony or nest and the aggregation site in theaggregation base 22 since the base is not displaced during removal andsubstitution of the container 24, 25. Thus, the disturbance of theaggregation site in the aggregation base 22 is minimized, reducing thelikelihood that the termites will abandon the feeding site. Also,communication and access between the pesticide containing container 25and the termite colony is quickly established upon substitution of themonitoring container 24 with the bait container 25. Foraging termitesingest the pesticide-containing bait 57 and also return portions of thetoxic bait to the nest through the pre-existing network of passageways.

The station 10 is inspected at regular intervals (e.g., every 15 to 120days) to assess the extent of termite consumption of the bait 57. Whenthe bait 57 in the container 25 has been substantially consumed, morebait can be added by removing the lid 52 and inserting more bait in thecontainer 25 or simply by replacing the container with a freshcontainer. Thus, during normal inspection and/or replacement ofcontainers 24, 25, the aggregation base 22 is not removed anddisturbance to the aggregation site is minimized. It may be necessary toperiodically replace the aggregation base 22 (e.g., once a year tofreshen up the aggregation base 22). This however, is not usually donewhile termites are actively feeding from the site.

Thus, the present invention provides a control system and method foreffectively dealing with termites and reduces the likelihood that thetermites will abandon the feeding system after inspections by providingan aggregation base 22 that does not have to be removed for inspection.Instead, visual inspection for termite attack can take place with caretaken to not move, remove or disturb the aggregating medium, thetermites (if any) infesting the aggregating medium or any termitetunnels leading from the aggregating medium out of the pest controlsystem to the termite colony.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferredembodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” areintended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms“comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements.

As various changes could be made in the above without departing from thescope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in theabove description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall beinterpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

1. An aggregation base for use within a subterranean cavity fordetecting subterranean termites, said aggregation base comprising: anelongate member having a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis,longitudinally opposite ends, an outer circumference, an outer surface,and an inner surface, the elongate member comprising two separatelongitudinal wall portions at least in part constructed from cellulosicmaterial, the longitudinal wall portions having inner and outer surfacesand being capable of face-to-face contact to define correspondinglongitudinal side seams; a void defined by the inner surfaces of thelongitudinal wall portions, the void extending longitudinally within theelongate member for forming an aggregation site for said subterraneantermites, said elongate member being open at said longitudinallyopposite ends in communication with said void; and at least one channelformed in each of the longitudinal wall portions and separate from theside seams, each of said at least one channel extending transverselythrough the respective longitudinal wall portion from the outer surfacethereof to the void, each of said at least one channel having a lengthextending circumferentially about at least a portion of the outercircumference of the elongate member, wherein the at least one channelin one of the longitudinal wall portions is separate and spacedcircumferentially from the at least one channel in the other one of thelongitudinal wall portions.
 2. An aggregation base in combination with ahousing for use within a subterranean cavity for detecting subterraneantermites, said aggregation base comprising: an elongate member having alongitudinal axis, a transverse axis, longitudinally opposite ends, anouter circumference, an outer surface, and an inner surface, theelongate member comprising two separate longitudinal wall portions atleast in part constructed from cellulosic material, the longitudinalwall portions having inner and outer surfaces and being capable offace-to-face contact to define corresponding longitudinal side seams; avoid defined by the inner surfaces of the longitudinal wall portions,the void extending longitudinally within the elongate member for formingan aggregation site for said subterranean termites, said elongate memberbeing open at said longitudinally opposite ends in communication withsaid void; and at least one channel formed in each of the longitudinalwall portions and separate from the side seams, each of said at leastone channel extending transversely through the respective longitudinalwall portion from the outer surface thereof to the void, each of said atleast one channel having a length extending circumferentially about atleast a portion of the outer circumference of the elongate member,wherein the at least one channel in one of the longitudinal wallportions is separate and spaced circumferentially from the at least onechannel in the other one of the longitudinal wall portions; said housingcomprising: at least one sidewall having an outer surface and an innersurface defining an interior volume, the aggregation base received inthe interior volume, wherein the void of the aggregation base is empty;and a plurality of openings in the at least one sidewall to permitaccess to the aggregation base.
 3. The combination as set forth in claim2 wherein the elongate member is generally tubular, each longitudinalwall portion defining a circumferential segment of said tubular elongatemember.
 4. The combination as set forth in claim 3 wherein said void issubstantially cylindrical.
 5. The combination as set forth in claim 3wherein each of said at least one channel extends circumferentially ofthe respective longitudinal wall portion at the outer surface thereof.6. The combination as set forth in claim 5 further comprising at leastone of a monitoring container and a bait container.
 7. The combinationas set forth in claim 2 wherein the entirety of the at least one channelis longitudinally spaced from both longitudinally opposite ends of theelongate member.
 8. The combination as set forth in claim 2 wherein theat least one channel comprises a plurality of said channels in spacedrelationship with each other, the entirety of each of said channelsbeing longitudinally spaced from both longitudinally opposite ends ofthe elongate member.
 9. An aggregation base in combination with ahousing of a pest monitoring and control station for use within asubterranean cavity for detecting subterranean termites, saidaggregation base comprising: an elongate member having a longitudinalaxis, a transverse axis, longitudinally opposite ends, an outercircumference, an outer surface, and an inner surface, the elongatemember comprising two separate longitudinal wall portions at least inpart constructed from cellulosic material, the longitudinal wallportions having inner and outer surfaces and being capable offace-to-face contact to define corresponding longitudinal side seams; avoid defined by the inner surfaces of the longitudinal wall portions,the void extending longitudinally within the elongate member for formingan aggregation site for said subterranean termites, said elongate memberbeing open at said longitudinally opposite ends in communication withsaid void; and at least one channel formed in each of the longitudinalwall portions and separate from the side seams, each of said at leastone channel extending transversely through the respective longitudinalwall portion from the outer surface thereof to the void, each of said atleast one channel having a length extending circumferentially about atleast a portion of the outer circumference of the elongate member,wherein the at least one channel in one of the longitudinal wallportions is separate and spaced circumferentially from the at least onechannel in the other one of the longitudinal wall portions; said housingcomprising: at least one sidewall having an outer surface and an innersurface defining an interior volume in which the aggregation base isreceived; and a plurality of openings in the at least one sidewall topermit access to the aggregation base, wherein the plurality of openingsin the at least one sidewall are slot-shaped with lengths extendinggenerally transverse to the length of each of said at least one channelformed in each of the longitudinal wall portions.
 10. The combination asset forth in claim 9 wherein the void is empty.
 11. The combination asset forth in claim 10 further comprising at least one of a monitoringcontainer and a bait container received in the interior volume of thehousing.